The local government here issued a warning to illegal settlers in watershed areas to voluntarily dismantle their structures or face enforcement actions.

‘I strongly advise you to self-demolish to avoid further complications. The government must act to protect our vital natural resources,’ Mayor Sebastian Duterte said in a statement posted Monday.

Duterte stressed the importance of safeguarding the city’s water supply, noting that water is a shared resource that must not be compromised by unauthorized construction.

‘We cannot negotiate over this matter. When you built your structures, you only thought of yourselves, neglecting the well-being of Dabawenyos. It was a selfish act, but I am giving you an opportunity to self-demolish,’ he said.

To raise awareness, the Watershed Management Council (WMC) continues to educate communities about the critical role of watersheds in the city’s water supply.

The WMC also works closely with village officials and tribal leaders, sharing guidelines on watershed conservat
ion and land use restrictions.

Source: Philippines News Agency